Biography

Nellie Pou is a Democratic politician serving as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 9th congressional district since January 3, 2025. She succeeded the late Bill Pascrell, becoming the first Latina to represent New Jersey in Congress. Prior to her congressional tenure, Pou had an extensive career in New Jersey state politics, serving in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1997 to 2012 and the New Jersey State Senate from 2012 to 2025.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended Kean College , Rutgers University, and the University of Virginia.

• Political Experience:

  • New Jersey General Assembly: Appointed in 1997 to fill the vacancy left by Bill Pascrell's election to Congress; served until 2012.
  • Assistant Minority Leader
  • Deputy Speaker
  • New Jersey State Senate: Elected in 2011, representing the 35th legislative district from 2012 to 2025.
  • Majority Caucus Chair
  • Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee
  • Vice Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee
  • *National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators *: Served as President from 2022 to 2023.
  • New Jersey Legislative Latino Caucus: Chair since 2006.

Notable Achievements

• Historic Representation: First Latina to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Congress.
• Leadership Roles: As NHCSL President, led a delegation to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss legislative priorities for Hispanics in the U.S.
• Advocacy: Championed initiatives supporting local businesses, education reform, healthcare access, and social justice.

Personal Life

Pou resides in North Haledon, New Jersey, with her husband, Judge Richard Freid. She has two children from a previous marriage and is Roman Catholic.